Springfield 1903 or 1903a3 the Best Mauser Clone Ever

[@andybreglia9431]

Got my 03A3 as a barreled action some 55 years ago, before the Dodd Anti-gun Act of 1968. The magazine well is from an 03 (milled, not stamped). I put a Fajan stock on it. Its favorite MILSURP ammo is M2AP. The range I used had a hillside 1/4 mile thick, so penetration was not an issue. If I do my part, you could cover a 3 shot group with a dime at 100 yards. I like aperture rear sights. I learned that in the Army on an M1 Garand. That was why I fell in love with the .30-06 cartridge.

[@jaspertaylor2810]

Funny enough I just bought a 1903A3 fitting that description a few weeks ago.

[@brandondavis4306]

I got one about a year ago now and at 100 yards I got a 5 shot 1 hole group, then my friend replicated it.

[@jonathanlambert3854]

My father gave me an 03-A3 nearly 40 yrs ago but passed away before briefing me on operation, thanks for the info.

[@KIMO365]

that is a true treasure! thanks for watching

[@joejacoby2464]

Thanks for taking the time to make and share. My first 30 caliber rifle I bought at 16 was a M1903A3 and I promptly put it to work killing groundhogs. Yes, you can actually kill a groundhog with a 30-06. Repeat shots never needed. Nice rifle and I still have it over 40 years later.

[@remiel3315]

Just picked up a 03a3 Remington drill receiver last summer, got a NOS 2 grove Remington barrel that was only a month newer than the receiver, I have all the mechanical parts assembled and checked out, now i need the stock and hardware to finish it.

[@dianaalfieri18]

Good choice if it's an actual 2 land mil. Barrel. They put a hole as a close group.

[@David-q1k4k]

Remington didn't make the barrels for the '03a3, they were made by High Standard Co. for both the Remington and Smith-Corona rifles.

[@remiel3315]

@@dianaalfieri18 it will when I do my part, I'm working out an issue with the front sight and haven't had time to sort it out, but the rifle is done.

[@remiel3315]

@@David-q1k4k with the RA and SC stamps? I've seen high standard stamped barrels on some.

[@David-q1k4k]

@@remiel3315 yes, High Standard was the main sub contractor for the barrels.

[@mhaugen692]

Just shot my low number 1903 two days ago and man is she smooth and accurate! I love the flip up sights

[@jayb8369]

Hi Kimo, new subscriber here. I just picked up my 1903 A3 today. It's stamped U.S. Remington on top of the receiver and the rear sights were very loose on receipt. It was refurbished and I'm going to give it another thorough inspection and cleaning before I take it to the range to test fire. I collect vintage milsurp rifles and this is just the latest addition to my collection. I need to attach a sling, purchase some stripper clips and at some later date, find a bayonet (don't care if it's a reproduction) for it.

[@CFProton]

I had a sporterized Springfield 03-A3 with a full float barrel and peep sight. With this rifle I learned how to shoot high power. I can remember shooting an 8 shot 6" group while standing with a GI sling at 150 yds. I'm not the greatest shot but this rifle has given me a lot of great memories! Thanks for a great review!

[@charlestaylor253]

"Sporterized"=Fudderized... 🤬🤬🤬

[@Mustang5X5]

This is the second of your videos I've watched I like that you keep it moving quickly. A note on the mag cut off switch, it was also used when a soldier might want to load a armor-piercing, tracer or Incendiary round to mark a target at night time. One of the reasons I favor the 30.06 is the multitude of various ammunition available, one can shoot prairie dogs with 110 grains in the afternoon and kill deer at dusk with a 220 grain soft point. Also the 30.06 round is pretty much flat out to 150 yards that's why the low end of those sights you mentioned were at 200 yards. Believe it or not during early Vietnam some 1903A3s were used as sniper rifles. Keep it up, you do a good job here.

[@australianmade2659]

Harder to come by in Australia but they are around. They command a premium over the Enfield because of this but are worth the spend for sure. And 30-06 is probably the best all around calibre ever made. Great review 🇦🇺👍🏻

[@multiplemaniacs-hj8or]

ill trade you my enfield for one.. well not yours.. Someones.. ANYones

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

@ Australian Made - "And 30-06 is probably the best all around calibre ever made. Great review" Firearms trainer and author Kenneth Royce, better known in the firearms community as "Boston" of "Boston's Gun Bible" fame, put it best, saying of the 30-06 that it was a "home-run" and the most influential cartridge of the 20th century. He'd probably get some argument there, since there are other contenders - British 303, 7.92x57/8mm Mauser, 7.62x54R, etc. - but it is hard to argue with its popularity, versatility or longevity. It remains the most-popular center-fire cartridge in the world, and for good reason. It can handle an astonishingly wide range of bullet types and weights, ranging from 80 to 220 grains, and can do everything from varmint-hunting to the taking of giant bears, as well as its storied military and competition histories. And handloaders using modern propellants and high-BC bullets can squeeze 300 near-Win-Mag performance out of it when it comes to LR shooting. There are specific cartridges and loads that surpass the venerable '06 in certain ways, but it is difficult to think of a single cartridge which does so many things as well. King and still champion after more than a century.

[@Shane-Singleton]

I've got a Remington 1903a3 I picked up a year or two ago and it's one of my favorites. I had an older 1903 about 20 years ago that I had sold when I was in a financial pinch and had been wanting another for a while. Finally found one I liked for a price I was willing to pay and picked up an A3 this time. I have to say that I like the aperture rear sight much better than the blade style that my older model had. For me it was easier to put on target. Probably because I also spent a lot of time shooting my Garand and M1 Carbines. To me it is the best of the Mauser style bolt action war rifles. I have an early WWII K98k and I prefer my 1903a3.

[@KIMO365]

I also had to sell mine when I left Hawaii I miss it

[@Shane-Singleton]

@@KIMO365 There are plenty on Gunbroker. They aren't going to get any cheaper so best time to get one is now. Unless you moved to a place that prohibits firearms ownership.

[@davegeisler7802]

I have an '03a3 and prefer my 1893 Mauser 7x57 , both great ! Choose your flavor 👍

[@Shane-Singleton]

@@davegeisler7802 The great thing about the mauser style action is that there are MANY to pick from used by most of Europe, and central and south America as well. I've since picked up a Brazilian 08/35 in .30-06 and it is amazing.

[@JohnDoe-gj4dv]

Sir..... This a great VIDEO........!!!! I had NO idea about all of the differences between the 2 Rifles. Thank you for your video.

[@waucheesione2828]

A family member of mine had one when I was a kid. It had an old Unertl or Fecker scope on it and I could barely lift it. Same family member shot CMP matches with it before the scope was put on and he free free floated the barrel but you could not tell by looking at it. He had 2 barrels for it. It was an A3. Don't know that I have ever seen a stripper clip for one though.

[@Folma7]

Good vid. I recently found an SA M1903A1 with a good sn. It was made in 1918 and refurbed in 1942. Had to have it! Even as a kid I loved these rifles and could spot them in war movies & documentaries. At 64 my eyes ain’t what they used to be so getting used those sights was a real bear. Still managed to keep everything in the 8 ring at 100 yds. The Springfield is a work of art.

[@reggierico]

Hey Brudda! That was the kind video! Thanks, from an old Aiea Heights resident from the 1960's.

[@KIMO365]

much Mahalos thanks for watching

[@chriscary4074]

11:24 It has officially been OVER 100 years, I believe if the reciver was going to blow it would have during WW2. I have my great grandpas 1903 cerial No 287,XXX. Ended WW1, fought WW2 and opened camp Pendleton with him. I've shot this rifle myself many times. Given there are always exceptions and I'm sure one of these days another will blow and it will make th news, but is the low cerial gets to you, leave it for me Edit: typo

[@arthurmead5341]

Don't shit your rifle man

[@chriscary4074]

@@arthurmead5341 I have no plans of even EATING my rifle... Shiting it out just seems painful

[@chriscary4074]

@@arthurmead5341 unless you ment shoot, in which case you're about half a decade to late, I've put around 500 rounds through it

[@arthurmead5341]

@@chriscary4074 i was just quoting you!

[@chriscary4074]

@@arthurmead5341 I missed that, sorry... Shiting a rifle still sounds painful

[@foxtools]

Good job, great review. Good to see someone from Hawaii talking about guns. Originally from Hawaii, living in Idaho now. Keep up the good work.

[@dmitrikguajardo6006]

Im surprised its legal to own guns in Hawaii but i guess they're necessary for hunting.

[@charlesarlen644]

Hey bro. I climbed up that mountain in the background behind your shooting range... I think. Koko Crater. Awesome view from up there.

[@HollerTenn]

Thanks for the details man… just got my 1903A3 and ready to try it out

[@fawnlliebowitz1772]

Excellent comparison. I marched many a mile with the 03A3 years ago at Navy boot Great Lakes. Didn't much appreciate it much back then, fast forward to now after owning several of both......... I LOVE shooting my A3's, use scoped version as one of my goto deer rifles.

[@mikmik9034]

Best I have seen, so far. I had thought the M1903A was a Naval Rifle. I remember hearing about the "Mauser" design thefts. I found the Brit's Mk1#1 a much smoother action. (Yes, the wire wrap was removed from the SME Mk1#1, but the launcher sight was left in place.)

[@reddevilparatrooper]

Thanks for the info on the stripper clips from Creedmore. I have been using old 7mm striper clipps made for the Mauser 1895 Chilean.I like the M1903 as a rifleman and yes the sights are complicated like you said.I shoot a lot of Mausers and Lee Enfields but you can beat the M1903 as a good target rifle even though it was a general issue infantry rifle.The M1903A3 is an excellent rifle for combat because of the peep sight which simplified training and guys using the M1 Garand will shoot just as good with it once they get used to the recoil.For the modern guy the peep sight would be more familiar if they shoot the M16/AR series using the battle sights.Plenty mahalos from Vegas Brah!!!Aloha!!!

[@motomikebuilder]

I shot my 1903 20 years ago and couldn't remember all of the functions. It hurt my shoulder then and would much more so now. The bolt thing was changed, serial # in the 11k. Looking forward to shooting it again regardless.

[@anthonykaiser974]

Since it's a Mauser claw CRF, you still want to push the head of the round down into the magazine to protect the claw extractor when using the mag cutoff feature. It only prevents existing rounds in the mag from feeding due to position in the magazine. Regarding "trick drill team" use, hes, they do beat you up. Braking one in a spin really stings, but the 03-A3 (and by extension any M98 "cock on open" rifle) might be the best rifle for cool tricks you can do with the bolt, as in "Inspection Arms."

[@ung427]

If I'm not mistaken, the rear safety lug should not be touching the back of the reciever correct? In mix and matched guns where it is locked against the receiver at the rear, I don't know if the main lugs are locked against the lugs in the reciever, or if they are slightly off, being held off by the safety lug, hence all pressure on the back of the receiver every time you shoot. When there is about a mm of space in between the safety lug and the reciever, if the main lugs fail, it will catch on the safety lug, also, you know for sure that the main lugs are locked. Is this true, I've heard this somewhere before.

[@JoeyP322]

I know this is an old video, but thanks for the upload... very well made and informative

[@RickNethery]

Great Review, I have a Remington 1903A3. I love That Rifle

[@KIMO365]

had so much fun shooting these

[@Dialojike]

I have one too. I have never fired it; it is an unfired piece. I bought it in 1976.

[@RickNethery]

Dialojike That is very awesome

[@jmfa57]

Same year I bought my Remington 1903A3. I was a senior in high school, and I bought it at a local shopping mall in Los Angeles county. They put a long, skinny plastic bag over it and I walked right through the mall and out into the parking lot with nary a sideways glance from the public (try THAT today in LA, lol!) I never had a bit of trouble until trying to smuggle it in the house past my mom... that didn't go quite as well, since Mom knew a BB gun from a battle rifle.

[@scottandrysik7924]

@@KIMO365 kim... They make different heights of front sight blades... Look around at the next gun show. There's usually a vendor or two that specializes in U.S. military parts. Should put you back on target in no time.

[@colewyman7737]

I just bought a national ordinance 1903 a3 from the consignment rack at a local shop, and whoever left it with them to sell it, (or perhaps the person they Inherited it from) had turned it into a custom sporter. The stock has a rubber cushion and a cheek well, and less excitingly, the sights have been completely changed and the rear sight now sits well infront of the action, and the front sight has a big ol hood over it. As I picked it up for approximately the cost of a hi point carbine, I really don't have any room to complain. I just hope the old adjustable rear sight can still be mounted, and I can find one that still works on ebay.

[@jockellis]

To my notion, the Devil Dog Marines plinking of German sunbathers remains the gold standard for long range shooting. My father was on the North Georgia College honor guard for the funeral for retired professor, Dr. Gaillard. He dropped his ‘03 in the snow and ice. Thirty six years later I got my glove stuck in my M1 during NGC battalion drill competition in low 20s weather and high winds.

[@paulsimmons5726]

Good video, easy to understand. I agree that the original 1903 was a cooler looking rifle but the '03-A3 was easier to use because of the increased sight radius. Both of these old beauties could be purchased for rock bottom prices back in the 80's and 90's but the prices have edged up because many folks are hanging on to them more than they used to. Also, the CMP no longer has any of the 1903's to sell as surplus so it's now your best luck at gun shows, Gunbroker, or local gun shops. One last note, if you have an original, PLEASE don't hack it up to make another deer rifle! Go buy a factory rifle and leave these ol' pieces of US military history alone!!! Thanks!

[@propanegasman6426]

I have a Remington A3 dated on barrel as 42, from an old 1903 operations manual it state that the bolt cutoff selector is use for firing blanks when outfitted w/ a rifle grenade popular option back in it's day, that way in combat you still had live rounds ready to use. The rifle grenade adaptor disconnected from the barrel just like a bayonet from my understanding. The sights on the A3 were implemented as a transition type of sight because it was so similar to the M-1 Garand sites that were just coming into service starting 1939, the sight were to get the old troops up to speed on the new Garand type of sight, good video thanks.

[@dmitrikguajardo6006]

Ive only recently become interested in these rifles. What i like about bolt action is theres no wasted energy like with an ar15. Takes a portion of gas to work ejector and reload. And ive noticed the mauser seems very well engineered.

[@anthonykaiser974]

Gas guns use otherwise lost energy. The amount of gas used is really small, and happens after the bullet is long gone from the barrel. A self loader is more efficient whatever the operating principle.

[@cre8ive34]

I had a 03A3 in military school in the late 80s. We spun them and threw them like nothing. Still not sure how we did that. Although when they were occasionally dropped, even back when they were more plentiful, it was still painful to see. What I wouldn't kill to have another one.

[@CMURPHPHOTOG]

Great review! I own a Springfield 03 Mark 1 and I live in Springfield Mass where the Springfield Armory used to be. Armory is now a college and a U.S. National Historic Site with an incredible museum. Thanks for the video. Good stuff.

[@worldpeace32]

The quality of this video is so good I had to subscribe

[@HarryHaller1963]

Lots of good information I haven't seen anywhere else--a must watch for anyone looking to buy an M1903,

[@PunkN_JTM]

i have a nice 4 groove smith corona 03 a3 it is still a nail driver !! its hard to miss with it.... a 6 groove barrel is a seriously rare find.. equal to a leprchaun riding a unicorn in a 4 leaf clover patch..

[@MAC702firearms]

The Krag was America's first magazine fed rifle, but thanks for a great video on the M1903!

[@multiplemaniacs-hj8or]

where can i get one,there seems to be none around. or for an outragious price

[@TheWyoCoyote]

I was given my grandfathers 03 when I was a kid. I have the receipt for $18.00 he paid for it. He sporterized it way back. There was no internet when I got it and that magazine cutoff was blowing my mind. It makes sense now but I was hunting with it in OFF, and it wouldn't take another round. It was good at the range, but after I cleaned it and put the bolt back in I flipped it and when I went out I lost a follow up shot at an Elk. Dumb kid I was. I love the old thing. I refinished the stock, bedded it, parkerized it, and put a newer Burris scope on it. I have had trouble getting tight groups but it does OK.

[@Mustang5X5]

Just bought a M1903 Remington manufactured during late 1942, what a handsome rifle.

[@dennisquigley8800]

Point of order, that rear/third lug on the 1903, ‘03A3, as well as the ‘98 Mauser is a Safety Lug, not a Locking Lug. If you look closely on the ‘03’s, you can see that there is a small gap between the lug rear and the adjoining surface of the receiver ring. The idea is that after a catastrophic bolt or lug failure [not sure this happened absent an explosive-level ammo overload or remarkable headspace or heat-treat screwup], the safety lug surface would smack into the receiver ring and skew the bolt off-kilter bleeding off it’s rearward velocity.

[@bdlit7165]

I'm sure someone has already noted these two things. One, the bolt is actually slightly different than a mauser. Mauser's have only the two front lugs and a different cocking mechanism. Two the magazine cut off was made for loading blanks to fire a rifle grenade.

[@maverickfoxbmsn]

I have two 98k Mauser Rifles and two Lee Enfields the SMLE MK3 a WW1 variant & the No.4 Mk1 the WW2 variant

[@stoneblue1795]

A guy needs one of each. Yeah, the heat treating (SCARE) thing is mostly baloney, these things held up just fine and many still dropping deer, elk and such today. They last forever.

[@ronfreeze8957]

I own a new Remington .. made 1942 still has Cosmoline .. Carried a Springfield in Navy Boot Camp 1970 ...

[@thelongestday64]

So, the cracking is NOT an issue with 1903-A3s, correct? Is the Remington or the Smith Corona more valuable of the 1903-A3s?

[@mrsquishyboots]

I bought a sporterized 1903a3 years ago for 150$. I never got around to firing it yet because Im not sure its safe. Its a recreation from spare parts made by "monte cal" in the 50s or 60s. When its not cocked the bolt can be wiggled just a little bit when pushing down on it. Its tight when cocked and there is no play. I just cant bring myself to fire it. I need to have a gunsmith look at it. If its safe to fire Im going back to a classic stock.

[@greglaroche1753]

I grew up shooting my father's A3 when they were for sale for $18.00 in the back of the NRA magazine. It now belongs to my son. Anyway, I was always told that the on/off switch was mainly for when you were in the heat of battle and your magazine was empty, you would know to refill and not just close the bolt, thinking you had a round chambered.

[@stevenh.390]

Just found a 1903A3 at a local pawn, it's in good condition. The 1903/ 03A3 my fav bolt action rifle

[@DislodgedTKO]

Any issues with the remington serial number rangers? Or are all remingtons safe?

[@LuminaryCursorem]

The numbers thing is because of Julian Hatchers testing the 03 with extremely hot cartridges that are past proofing. If the rifle was going to blow up it would have years ago because all of them were used.

[@Min4Mass]

Really great technical run through! Thanks for the info!

[@coleparker]

I have the A3. Love the rifle. It is my reach out and touch it rifle.

[@casualobserver3145]

The M1903 sights are definitely a challenge. But remember....along with quick reflexes a18-19 year old soldier’s eyesight is incredible as is the ability to hold the rifle steady. Also withIn the range of the battle sights....”V” notch ladder down, no computation was necessary.

[@reginaldsmith752]

Are you familiar with the numrich arms extended magazine?

[@steveb6103]

I have 2, and on mine, the safety is . All the way to the left= fire . Straight up = safe. To the right = locked. When locked, the bolt and trigger are locked. In safe only the trigger is, and the bolt can be worked.

[@Hungrybird474]

Got one sporterized . Dude did a great job with the walnut stock and cheek rest , good leupold rings and a millet 3x9 . It needs a more powerful scope because this rifle is capable

[@peteford7258]

Was it already trashed out?

[@billystaggsjr.3465]

I enjoyed you 1903 and A3 video. I own both great shooters. But I would like to see a comparison between the 2 different A3 manufactors. Remington and an early (6 groove) Smith Corona.

[@MinhVu-in9iz]

Billy Staggs Jr. that’ll be hard to come by!!

[@MuzzleDoc086]

Great video ,,,have an 03 made 1927..refurbished in 43,, where did you find the stripper clips,,,Thank You

[@michaelbenjmitchell1]

I bought a Sporterized M1903A3 Smith Corona at a local gun shop for $479 in August of 2020. This month I finished the restoration of it back into military configuration.

[@Mustang6971]

I bought one last weekend that was almost totally in military configuration except it has that aftermarket 10 round magazine however I did find an original floor plate however I forgot to look at the magazine well to see if the spring and catch plate were still there, would you happen to know if it could possibly still be there or do I need to order those as well, I don’t have much knowledge with vintage firearms and I had to leave home for awhile due to work. Thanks for any pointers you may have and thanks in advance for any help you may have.

[@michaelbenjmitchell1]

@@Mustang6971 Depends but the floorplate latch and spring would be on the inside of the trigger guard.

[@Mustang6971]

@@michaelbenjmitchell1 I forgot to mention a few other things the trigger guard appears to be a milled so I bought a milled floor plate my is a low number Springfield in the 377,000 range so would that be appropriate for the time frame so I would need more guidance as far as milled assemblies, if I’m not mistaken the 03a3s were all stamped.

[@michaelbenjmitchell1]

@@Mustang6971 The 03A3's had the stamped unit which was one piece. Mine came with the milled Trigger guard/Magazine. If yours is in that serial range then yes it would be milled but some 1903's did end up getting rearsenaled which ended up with the stamped trigger guard.

[@Mustang6971]

@@michaelbenjmitchell1 I did some research I’m 90% mine is still milled because or the u shaped trigger guard instead of the tigger guard that has the flattened edge

[@azmaddog6]

Informative with good photography!

[@akosmetatos8106]

Mine is a SA 03 with a 568,000 sn but has had a Barrel change so it is a HS (High Standard stamped 44) it also has the Hatcher hole in the receiver ( Also you don't do a barrel change for no reason so the original was probably worn out). I've done some research and I have concluded that the problem had more to do with the Ammo of the day more that the Heat Treating. Hatcher talks about the issue in his book and there were no failures reported after 1930. Marines used these rifles well into WW2. More to this than just Heat Treating. Just my opinion. I shoot 30/06 Surplus ammo not new with higher pressures.

[@beefcakes27]

Great presentation, KIMO..!

[@williamdaniels6943]

now just a minute here. wasnt the A3 designation indicating that the rifle had been rebuilt in 1943 after it was replaced by the M1 garand? they were supposed to have done a full rebuild. barrels headspace bolts.

[@droppinplates6665]

lol that on and off thing is kinda the opposite of what you would think you would think when it says off the mag cut off would not be on and when the mag cut off is on it would say on but who knows why they did it that way

[@davidstallworth4800]

where would you recommend buying a 1903?

[@truthseeker3553]

I inherited a Springfield 1903. I have read that these rifle's with serial #'s under 800,000 are unsafe to shoot due to improper heat treating. and got rid of it

[@Mustang6971]

@Kasey Turchin that’s my opinion I have a Springfield in the 377,000 range and I shoot it I only use 30-06 Springfield in 150 grain the same ammo I send though my Garand.

[@behindenemylines3361]

Very nice video! I picked a "sporterized" Remington 1903a3 a few years ago (for about $400) and restored it back to milspec. I put a "C" stock (pistol grip version) cause I liked the look of that style of stock. All together (stock and assoc. hardware) another $200 into the refrub and it came out awesome! Was it a lot of work? Yes-only because I go a unfinished stock and it didn't fit quite right but hey that's what they have dremel tools for! Would I do it again? Prob not

[@Mustang5X5]

There is a Smith Corona 1903A3 in the safe, a beautiful rifle.

[@williamkaylor1191]

Me too

[@jackson4861]

Do you have a link to the stripper clips ?

[@ron9572]

well done ,, very informative and delivered perfectly !!!

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

Springfield M1903 rifles have acquired a reputation in some circles as a mere "copy" of the Mauser Brothers paradigm-changing bolt-action family of rifles, but the M1903 stands on its own - and deserves to do so - for a number of significant improvements its designers made over the Mauser. The trigger on the M1903 was superior to that on the Mauser, and easier to tune. The sights on the American design are excellent, really a technological marvel for their time. Although some users find them hard to use, they aren't too challenging once one knows the rifle and takes the time to understand the sights, which were designed with maximum flexibility in mind - offering a battle-sight zero notch for snap-shooting, and a choice of apertures on the ladder sights, which are graduated to 2,400 yards. Why such an extravagant distance? Because in those days (c. 1900), the infantryman's rifle was considered an area-denial weapon when fired in volley, i.e., simultaneous fire by a section of men upon a distant target. However, the M1903 was superbly accurate out to 1,000 yards against point targets, and there are numerous instances of effective and precise fire in combat at ranges out to 800 yards, such as the U.S. Marines picking off advancing German infantry at the Battles of Belleau Wood and Chateau Thierry in France in 1918, at ranges from 600-800 yards. The rear sight even is slanted or canted to the right to correct for spin drift due to the right-handed rifling. The 8mm (7.92x57mm) Mauser is a hard-hitting round, effective in combat, but the 30-06 improves upon it by being flatter-shooting, and using a more practical range of bullet weights, from 150-173 grains. The heavier 8mm round retains momentum well at extreme range, but long-range performance is hampered by a poor ballistic coefficient. The 30-06 simply gets the job done.

[@0Asterite0]

mausers were also in 7x57 you know

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

@@0Asterite0 - Yes, that's right... in fact, the Mausers which armed Spanish and Cuban forces in the Battle for San Juan Heights in 1898 were largely 7x57 mm Mausers.

[@Nperez1986]

Ehh...as someone who has drilled with the M1903, used it, etc, compared to the Mauser...that isn't true. All Mausers are not created equal. The 1893 or 1895 Mauser variants the US would have come across in the 1898 War vs Spain were not as well built as latter models. I'll take a 98 Mauser over the 1903 anyday....30-06 ammo is great nut not as plentiful. If a World War or Apocalypse came.out that ammo would run dry very fast....not 308 though.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

@@Nperez1986 - OK, fair-enough.... if you like Mausers, good on you. And yes, I know not all Mausers were created equal. The design went through a number of refinements and changes over the years. Me, I'll stick with a M1903 or M1917 instead, if I am looking for a mil-surp bolt-gun. I would very much like to find a M1938 Swedish Mauser whose sights actually are alligned properly, or one chambered in 7x57, for one of the South American contracts. That is also a very nice cartridge. Yeah, all of the surplus 30-06 from years past is pretty much gone, at least in these parts. Which suggests that if you have a mil-surp gun you want to use as a shooter and often, target shooting or hunting, for example, then it might make sense to rebarrel it in 308. If it is an old gun, I'd run the rifle past a gun smith to make sure it was good-to-go for using modern ammo, though. But if you intend to use M80 Ball only, that pretty closely matches the performance of '06 M2 Ball, so you'll probably be OK and your sights will still work fine, too.

[@kfelix2934]

@@Nperez1986 Same here and I own 6 mausers one sml ring Carl Gustf 96 and five m98 , two are sweddish and 2 are m98 1943 stamp Mauser-Werke A. G. Oberndorf and the other is a m98k mfg 1945. All are sporterizer in 30-06 or 280remington. These are some of the best rifle ever made. I will get rid of the 6.5x55 when I use up my stash of ammo and buty 6.5 creedmore barrel for my encore frame only because ammo is readily available for the cali in walmart and academy.

[@dangilmore9995]

Ok so how do we go about buying one like the title says.

[@bcd2107]

I own a 1903 springfield that was sporterized with a receiver serial #11735. The barrel had a sight installed that covers the year but it isn't original and has a letter "P" stamped on the bottom and c125 stamped mid barrel on the top. Does anyone have a rough idea of value? I have shot it several times but use reduced recoil 125 grain. It has a lyman peep sight on the rear and is very accurate.

[@steveroush4147]

You said “ how to buy “ not “the difference is”. What kinda cost are they ?

[@keithgrant7913]

' SUGGEST YOU ADD COLOR TO THE FRONT SITE, TRY WHITE OR ORANGE ON ONE SIDE FACING THE FRONT SITE AND SHOOT AGAIN, SHOULD BE ABLE TO PULL INTO A 1 1/2" GROUP WITH AN O6 '

[@nataandrichardflora7660]

If you do get a low serial number make sure you use the lightest load possible. If you reload I recommend a 150 grain bullet with about 42 grains hodg 4895.

[@klee77721]

Very informative will need to get one now. Just a quick question, price range? And ammo type (new) low power?

[@whisperchainsaw102]

klee77721 I have both. I paid $750 for a Remington 03a3, and 699 for a springfield 03. Those were pretty lucky prices and took time of waiting and searching. Expect to see them for 900 or more. More than once have I seen them for 1200. They use 30.06 springfield.

[@pilotbarusarao8728]

कितने मिटर दूर जाती रेज कितना है लिवर कितने है बोर कितने राईफल है

[@WestfaelischerJung]

does that extra switch on the side make any sense ? maybe if you want to shoot just one special bullet maybe some armor piercing tip or something but for saving ammunition seems unnecessary

[@whisperchainsaw102]

TTC it did when it was made. Tactics changed and over time it was less necessary.

[@jakeh8780]

You got some info wrong...a panel was set up by the government to see if they infringed on mausers patents and sent one over to the mauser factory for them to see if they did. The germans and the government agreed on I think $0.75 per rifle and $0.25 per 1000 stripper clips up until a maximum of $200,000 was reached. Which was paid before WW1 started.

[@tommaddeaux8651]

I bought one in the 70s for 35dollars from the gun shop. Best rifle I ever shot. I did sportarize the stock for hunting .wish I never sold it

[@bloodyconstraint920]

One difference between the 03 and the 03A3. Most 03A3's were produced using a barrel, rifled with only two very wide lands and grooves, and the older 03 barrel has six lands and grooves. This difference is not supposed to have any effect on the accuracy of either rifle when compared with the other.

[@shoup2882]

We were not paying royalties to the Mausers during WW1, once the USA entered the war, the royalties were stopped. Also the safety lug does not lock in, it doesn't even touch the lug recess behind it, it is only meant to hold the bolt in place should the 2 main lugs fail. There should be almost a 1/16 inch space behind the safety lug and the back of the lug recess. Also, Rock Island Armory did not make the rifles, they were made by the Rock Island Arsenal, big difference, although I do believe you simply misspoke. I did hear you say Rock Island Armory at least twice.

[@Whitebear329]

Was it the low serial numbers that were made to shoot the 30-03 round -vs- the 30-06 round? Is that the difference for the single heat treat of the lower numbers as well?

[@carkfranyahoo]

I have one but it chambered 308

[@garybryant7274]

Any bayonet, except for the bayonet that mounts to the gas tube nut, that fits the M-1 Garand will mount correctly on a 1903/1903 A3 rifle.

[@markaherndon2011]

You fail to mention these are sporterized or parkerized iron.

[@Nicolidas]

Hi ! All the 1903 have this dispersion at 100 yards ? Or he can do better ? Thank you

[@teter129]

What would cause the bolt from coming out even if the on/off selector is not in the middle position? (I'm asking for a friend) ;)

[@icemelongreen]

Bought one off a friend years ago who was hard up for cash. Mint condition best 100.00 bucks and an old .22 I ever spent.

[@MDMiller60]

I don't see the rear notch or peep on the A3.

[@domandriacchi9082]

What’s the best place or website to look for one of these

[@casualobserver3145]

Dom Andriacchi I found an excellent M1903 on www.gunsinternational.com. It’s a 1918 born on date with a 813,XXX serial number. It was arsenal refurbished in 1942...”C” stock, new barrel and whatever else was required for re-issue. Original 1918 bayonet (with scabbard) and cleaning kit were included. There where many ‘03 (and ‘03-A3) listings besides the one I chose. The rifle is in excellent condition and shoots much better than my tired old eyes or I deserve....lol. The price was a bit over $1000.

[@0570965]

Could a 1903 trigger guard fit on a 700 Remington Long Action ?

[@Airsoftforall]

On the safety the left is fire, 12 o'clock is safe, and 3 o'clock locks the bolt closed and the rifle is safe- just like the Kaiser.

[@pr4runner]

What is your opinion on why the park is "in the Green"

[@wbriggs111]

The international courts found 17 mauser patents were stolen but we did quit paying royalties at the start of WW1. They say the 98 was built to be perfectly engineered, the 1903 was built for target shooting, and the 303 was built for war.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

Re: "They say the 98 was built to be perfectly engineered, the 1903 was built for target shooting, and the 303 was built for war." Yeah, but who is "they"? It's a B.S. saying anyway. Only the Lee-Enfield fanboys believe that crap anyway. Lee-Enfields were great rifles in the day in WWI, and just the thing the Tommies in the trenches needed at the time, but the rifle was obsolete by WWII. Strangely, even after seeing the Americans, their allies, use semi-automatic rifles throughout the war, the British MOD still clung to bolt-actions, and gave the army the No. 5 Mk. I, a.k.a. the Jungle Carbine, which saw action in the Malayan Emergency. They were plagued by reports of wandering zeros, but maybe the British soldier finally figured out that they needed a self-loading rifle for a change, hence the SLR or FAL. The .303 cartridge is powerful-enough for war, and much hunting besides, but it is a pain in the neck due to its rim. It would have been better to be a rimless design, and then there would have been no real need for .308/7.62 NATO, since the .303 makes 90-95 % the power of the short-action .308-caliber cartridge. The Lee-Enfield bolt-action itself is rightly known as the fastest-cycling bolt-action to have seen military use, but it acquired that speed at the expense of some other desired attributes in a rifle, including strength and rigidity. The LE action has never been used by any modern hunting rifle manufacturer, to my knowledge, as the basis for any new production due to the inherent relative weakness of the LE receiver and bolt, which simply are not as strong as the Mauser design. This is why you seldom see LE mil-surp rifles sporterized and converted to more powerful calibers or cartridges; it isn't safe to do this with one, like it is with a German Mauser, or a M1917 or M1903 or even an Arisaka (these had the strongest actions of all bolt-action rifles, according to tests done post-war by P.O. Ackley, the American gunsmith of some renown. In short, the L-E bolt gun was an evolutionary dead-end as a design. Anyone who claims the Springfield M1903 is inadequate in any way or lacking as a combat rifle, doesn't know the subject matter well-enough to comment. U.S. Marines used M1903 Springfields in 1918 at the Battles of Cateau Thierry and Belleau Wood, to pick off German landsers (infantry) advancing through the French wheat fields, at distances of up to 800 yards, using nothing more than iron sights and good Marine fundamentals of marksmanship. Astonished French onlookers exclaimed that they had never seen such proficient long-range combat marksmanship. And don't even get me started about how much better as a cartridge is the 30-06, than the 303.

[@kfelix2934]

@05:44 that is not a mauser bolt you are confusing people by saying that. The bolt are not interchangeable, have different width and different pressure bleed holes. Yes a Springfield copy a lot of engineering, but it is not a mauser clone. Even the win m70 has copy a lot of the mauser design btw

[@waltersmith1311]

Awesome Video. Thank you so much for sharing. These videos are so cool.

[@KIMO365]

much Mahalo for watching

[@jimcastillo8950]

Hello, you did your homework. I had a 1903 Springfield and ended up selling. The sights were to hard for my older eyes. Probably better for younger eyes. I now have a 1903A3 Smith Corona 1943 . The sight is much better on my eyes. I noticed you were shooting commercial ammo. This is where reloading comes in to play. Each barrel has a sweet spot, therefore when you adjust powders, bullets, and seating your grouping gets tighter. These are accurate rifles. Enjoy and thanks for the education...

[@alexreifschneider6709]

Have a 1944 03A3 and love it. It will make 1 inch groups all day with the loads I worked up.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

@ Alex -My former gunsmith, a retired U.S. Army Special Forces scout-sniper, told me that those two-groove Springfields are often excellent, very accurate barrels, especially for using heavier-than-standard bullets. People assume that only two grooves isn't sufficient, but many of these rifles are very accurate if you take the time to find the load they like. Not surprising, really, since many 03A3s were scoped and used as sniper rifles.